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The Idjerhe Central Council of Chiefs, Oguedion, has strongly refuted allegations that it received financial gifts or royalties from SEPLAT Energy Plc, insisting that the company has failed to fulfill its corporate social responsibility obligations to the oil-rich community despite extensive operations in the area.
In a press conference held on Friday, August 29, 2025, at Jesse, the Council, led by Chief Solomon Ojariafe, the Unuevworo of Idjerhe Central, addressed widespread claims circulated among youths that traditional rulers collected millions of naira from SEPLAT and other agencies.
TJ News Nigeria reports that the Council described the allegations as false, damaging, and without evidence, emphasizing that neither SEPLAT nor any other oil company has undertaken meaningful development projects in Idjerhe Kingdom.
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Chiefs Deny Receiving Royalties
Speaking at the briefing, Chief Ojariafe clarified that neither the Council nor any traditional ruler in Idjerhe has received compensation or royalty payments on behalf of the people.
“We have never received any royalty, financial gift, or compensation from SEPLAT on behalf of the Idjerhe people,” he stated.
“Anyone with evidence of such payments should come forward for investigation. These accusations are baseless and harmful to our reputation.”
Concerns Over Neglect and Environmental Impact
The chiefs lamented that despite being an oil-producing region, Idjerhe Kingdom continues to face underdevelopment, dilapidated infrastructure, and environmental degradation caused by oil company activities.
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They accused SEPLAT of damaging local roads with heavy-duty vehicles and failing to deliver corporate social responsibility projects comparable to those provided to other host communities.
“SEPLAT has taken so much from our land, but our people are left with nothing to show for it. Our roads are damaged, and we are calling for an urgent meeting with the company before tensions escalate,” the chiefs warned.
Recognition for DESOPADEC’s Efforts
While criticizing SEPLAT, the Council acknowledged developmental efforts made by some government agencies, particularly the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), under the leadership of Chief Hon. John Nani.
They noted that DESOPADEC had constructed and rehabilitated several roads in Jesse town, demonstrating a commitment to improving the lives of residents. The chiefs used the opportunity to appeal for the reconstruction of Ukuedejor Road and College Road through the market to Ugbomoja Waterside Junction, citing their economic importance.
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“We commend Chief Hon. John Nani for his ongoing road projects in Jesse. We appeal to him to extend this effort to Ukuedejor Road and College Road through the market to Ugbomoja Waterside Junction,” they stated.
Lack of Access to Social Amenities
The Council stressed that Idjerhe Kingdom lacks basic amenities, including potable water, scholarships, and healthcare facilities, which are often provided by oil companies in other communities.
Key concerns raised include:
- Absence of boreholes or water projects
- No scholarship schemes for students
- Limited healthcare or welfare programs
Power Supply and Education Crisis
The traditional leaders expressed dissatisfaction with the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) over erratic power supply and continued reliance on estimated billing. They demanded prepaid meters and reliable electricity for residents.
Additionally, they called for the reopening of Idjerhe Grammar School, which has been closed for over a year, leaving many students out of school and vulnerable to social vices.
“The closure of our grammar school has left many children idle, increasing the risk of youth restiveness. We urge the Delta State Ministry of Education to reopen it urgently,” they said.
Call for Corporate and Government Action
The Idjerhe Central Council of Chiefs demanded that SEPLAT immediately prioritize corporate social responsibility initiatives in the community, including:
- Road construction and rehabilitation
- Potable water projects
- Scholarships and educational support
- Healthcare development
They further called on both federal and state governments to intervene and address infrastructural deficits in the area before community frustration escalates into unrest.
